Tarnation by: Jonathan Caouette

Part documentary, part narrative fiction, part home movie, and part acid trip. A psychedelic whirlwind of snapshots, Super-8 home movies, old answering machine messages, video diaries, early short films, snippets of '80s pop culture, and dramatic reenactments to create an epic portrait of an American family travesty. The story begins in 2003 when Jonathan learns that his schizophrenic mother, Renee, has overdosed on her lithium medication. He is catapulted back into his real and horrifying family legacy of rape, abandonment, promiscuity, drug addiction, child abuse, and psychosis. As he grows up on camera, he finds the escapist balm of musical theater and B horror flicks and reconnects to life through a queer chosen family. Then a look into the future shows Jonathan as he confronts the symbiotic and almost unbearable love he shares with his beautiful and tragically damaged mother.

The film is both tragic and compelling at the same time. As we see Jonathan grow up we also see his mother deteriorate due to mental illness. In the field of documentaries I think Caoette has brought a fresh vision to the table with the mix of psychedelic elements and pop culture tidbits. Also the soundtrack is great and fits the visual elements perfectly. I recommend this film if for nothing else to get an in depth look at an American family that is not considered A-Typical.

tags: film, documentary, mental illness,